For the next 3-4 months, I will have to study a lot at home, while also holding a full time job and doing a lengthy commute. After misc. household chores, this leaves maybe 1.5 hours of spare time on weekdays, during which I'll also try to swim or do some other excercise at least some days. I tend to need about an hour of "warm up" before I can even start to be productive when making music, so I'm not sure how to deal with it from that perspective.

One option is to simply stow the keyboards and synths (virtual and real) away for now. However, that would mean I would *only* be working, studying and sleeping for the next several months, which doesn't sound like a very fun existence. On the other hand, it's only a matter of months, then I'll find a better job without the commute.

Another thought is maybe to concentrate on one aspect - build up a patch library, arrange and finish old tracks that are nearly done, create only 30-second loops or something like that.

I do music super early in the morning, I wake at 5 am have breakfast and run for an hour, I then do music between about six and eight, then at eight I've got to get ready for work, I work nine till five, then after work I practice Muay Thai for two hours, then I'm home eating tea at 8ish, then bed by 10 (sometimes 11 if I'm hyped) I don't drink or own a T.V, I waste no time what so ever... Oh, I'm single by the way... no woman I know would let there partner live like that

I do early mornings because it's easy to bounce out of bed if you're getting up to do something you want to, ie: music.

Here's the good news. You aren't going to be a professional in the music biz.
You've decided it isn't worth it based on your current lifestyle choices. If you wanted it that bad you'd be doing things to make it happen.

That's fine You can live a fulfilled life. Prolly filled with much more stability and sanity outside it.

Leave the rainbow chasing and the windmill fighting to those more qualified at self delusion. Don't worry there is another dreamer waiting around the corner. All ready to spill blood and treasure over unrealistic expectations.

tapper mike wrote: You aren't going to be a professional in the music biz.

what does that have to do with anything?
music isnt always about "the business" it can just be a leisure activity, a hobby, a therapy from the drag of every day life...
to assume that everyone who picks up an instrument has desires of fame and fortune is way off base.

to the op, if you only have a short amount of time per day, use it in any way that helps you with the stress of eeveryday life, this could be watching some tv, going to the gym or just picking up an instrument and having a noodle.
if you choose the usic to fill that time, dont feel that every time you pick up an instrument you have to produce someting of worth, you can just play for the sake of playing.

For the next 3-4 months, I will have to study a lot at home, while also holding a full time job and doing a lengthy commute. After misc. household chores, this leaves maybe 1.5 hours of spare time on weekdays, during which I'll also try to swim or do some other excercise at least some days. I tend to need about an hour of "warm up" before I can even start to be productive when making music, so I'm not sure how to deal with it from that perspective.

One option is to simply stow the keyboards and synths (virtual and real) away for now. However, that would mean I would *only* be working, studying and sleeping for the next several months, which doesn't sound like a very fun existence. On the other hand, it's only a matter of months, then I'll find a better job without the commute.

Another thought is maybe to concentrate on one aspect - build up a patch library, arrange and finish old tracks that are nearly done, create only 30-second loops or something like that.

Any thoughts?

what about weekends?

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best." - Henry Van Dyke

I've found that switching platforms has helped me. More and more, I am using an iPad. The device is instant on, can be taken nearly everywhere, and has a long battery life. Apps are (relatively) cheap compared to standard desktop platform apps.

No, an iPad is not a true replacement for a regular DAW, but it is surprising how much software is available for it, and how good the quality is. Because of my lack of time, it is almost the only way I get to do anything musically.